‘Ensemble’ exhibition celebrates UT printmaking community

‘Ensemble’ exhibition celebrates UT printmaking community
Tucked away on the top floor of the Visual Arts Center, a display of letters unique in color and size flows across two adjacent walls, inviting viewers to follow. The characters spell “ENSEMBLE,” the exhibition title, alluding to the communal nature of printmaking. The collaborative student and faculty print media exhibition took place from Feb….

Q&A: The photographer exploring rural Victoria with an IR cam

Q&A: The photographer exploring rural Victoria with an IR cam

4 March 2024

Yarra Valley’s Sean Paris has spent the last few months exploring some of rural Victoria’s quirky small towns, putting his take on the weird and wonderful parts of rural Australia that have been the stuff of road-trips for generations. 

His resulting series, Koala Country, is an ode to classic Australiana and the heydey of small town Victoria. We sat down for a chat to find out more about the project.

A giant koala at Dadswell Bridge between Stawell and Horsham.
A giant koala at Dadswell Bridge between Stawell and Horsham.
Australian Photography: Tell us about yourself and how you got started with photography?

Sean Paris: I’m a professional Australian photographer based out of the Yarra Valley. My focus lies primarily in corporate, portrait, and studio photography.

I always create projects on the side to keep the fuel burning with my creative work and have done so since a young age, these projects range from documentary, and photojournalism, working alongside world-class acrobats, and photographing Australian wildlife. I have had work showcased and published in the National Portrait Gallery, National Geographic, and other publications.   

Big Fish at Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery – Eildon, Victoria.
Big Fish at Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery – Eildon, Victoria.

I first started out with a 3MP Kodak digital camera at the age of eleven, from there I developed an obsession with photography and have been at it ever since.

Newstead men’s shed.
Newstead men’s shed.
My first series started documenting protests in Melbourne which forced me to take photography more seriously and from that developed into many different projects/themes.

Most of my projects start with a small idea that pops into my head and slowly develops into a stronger concept to create a body of work.

I like the flow of creating on the go as you never know where the project might end up as it transforms and develops the more you shoot. Just getting out and creating is the best way to form a project and develop your skillset as a photographer.  

Great Western Motel – Great Western, Victoria.
Great Western Motel – Great Western, Victoria.
AP: Small town Australia is known for its quirky places – what made you want to photograph them?

SP: I grew up in the Yarra Valley which is close to Melbourne but still has remnants of the small-town country quirks. I wanted to photograph something that I grew up around and to look at it as an outsider, someone who would see things with a fresh perspective. Looking for the strange things that exist In this country that we often overlook.

Yarrawonga's Lakeview hotel.
Yarrawonga’s Lakeview hotel.

Using the infrared technique pinpoints these objects and makes you stop and observe those old, funny, or quirky things that are around regional Victoria.

All of these things have stories and are a part of our history, some disappear forever or end up in people’s sheds and others are preserved for future generations.

I believe it’s important as a photographer to document time and place and leave a visual record for the future.

Harcourt bowls, reputedly the friendliest club in Victoria.
Harcourt bowls, reputedly the friendliest club in Victoria.
AP: What do you look for in a subject?

SP: I look for things that are quirky or unique in society, dilapidated from the past, or often overseen. I also have a fascination with the “Big Things” cult following in this country, strange sculptures that are often designed to lure in tourism to local businesses.

Said to be the smallest town hall in one of Victoria’s smallest towns, Chewton.
Said to be the smallest town hall in one of Victoria’s smallest towns, Chewton.
AP: Tell me about your IR camera. Why did you want to use one for this project? What does it bring to it?

SP: I have a full spectrum converted Nikon body which uses a Kolari filter on the lens to work on a specific wavelength of light, I work on the 590nm spectrum, which is a combination of infrared light and visible light.

I first got one of my older camera bodies converted in between covid lockdowns and wanted to try working with photography in a different way, with a different light.

An abandoned house in the gold rush town of Dunolly.
An abandoned house in the gold rush town of Dunolly.

When you start using an infrared camera you realise very quickly what does and doesn’t reflect infrared light, more plants mean more infrared being reflected, so I try find subjects that have the combination of man-made structure and plant matter.

I chose to use this technique for this project to create a unique feel and look to the images. It brings an ethereal feel and creates a feeling of more connection to the subject being photographed revealing another world of light that is hidden.

Wantirna South’s big watermelon.
Wantirna South’s big watermelon.
AP: How long have you been working on Koala Country?

SP: I have been working on Koala Country for the past three months, traveling around solo, and sleeping in the back of my ute.

Driving sometimes 16 hours in two days, just finding small towns that I haven’t ever heard of and driving in a random direction or planning a photo destination and working along the way.

Caspers theme park's abandoned ‘pyramid’ in Stawell, was once home to a theme park featuring miniature replicas of renowned landmarks, and also housed a collection of sculptures made from human teeth and dentures. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Caspers theme park’s abandoned ‘pyramid’ in Stawell, was once home to a theme park featuring miniature replicas of renowned landmarks, and also housed a collection of sculptures made from human teeth and dentures. 
AP: What are your hopes for the project?

SP: I am currently still shooting this project to put together a book and hope to launch with an exhibition late this year.

Rose City Motor Inn, Benalla.
Rose City Motor Inn, Benalla.
AP: Where can people see more of your work?

SP: You can view this project via my website: www.seanparisphotographer.com or via Instagram: @sean.paris.

Cognitive Dissonance and Fictionalized Ethnographies: Syd Krochmalny’s Paintings and Sculptures at The Opening Gallery

Cognitive Dissonance and Fictionalized Ethnographies: Syd Krochmalny’s Paintings and Sculptures at The Opening Gallery
A conversation between Warren Neidich, Reinaldo Laddaga and Vivi Tellas with the participation of Paul Miller (aka DJ Spooky) Sozita Goudouna: I am a curator, professor, and author of “Beckett’s Breath: Anti-theatricality and the Visual Arts.” Leading The Opening Gallery, which was inaugurated under the Opening Art Initiative in the summer of 2022, I am […]

Black and white photography up next for Delta Photo Club

Black and white photography up next for Delta Photo Club

The Delta Photo Club presents The Human Condition through Black and White Photography by internationally acclaimed photographic artist Moisés Levy on Wednesday, March 6 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Levy is a Mexican photographer committed to portraying the human condition. Having done numerous exhibitions and bountiful work, Levy has become a contemporary storyteller. His international portfolio includes the USA, Canada, Europe, India, Russia, and his beloved Mexico. After more than 20 years with a camera, he is rightly considered a light artist.

He was born, raised, and lives in Mexico, working as an architect and photographer.

“I always need to express myself visually,” he says. “I like to freeze special moments, sometimes it is a movement or a gesture, something funny, or a hidden message; moments that talk about life in a beautiful way. I spend a lot of time searching and waiting for special moments.”

His work is about people, preferring to capture anonymous subjects. He works with backlight to create high contrast black and white minimalist images in a more graphic sense. He uses very low angles in places with almost no distractions like beaches and open spaces for his timeless images of the human condition.

To attend this workshop, become a member of the Delta Photo Club by filling out the membership form at: http://deltaphotoclub.com/member-sign-up-form or come as a guest by e-transferring $10 to: treasurer_membership@deltaphotoclub.com.

Cherry Valley, Dixon artists display work at Oregon museum

Cherry Valley, Dixon artists display work at Oregon museum

OREGON, Ill. (WIFR) – A museum in downtown Oregon is opening new exhibits by artists from Northern Illinois, giving them a space to showcase digital photography and fine art.

The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana has given exhibition space to Stephen Hart of Dixon and David Van Delinder of Cherry Valley.

Hart is displaying digital photography of scenes native to the region, especially the Nachusa Grasslands, a nature preserve near his hometown. The grasslands are home to a bison herd, 700 native plant species and 180 species of bird, according to The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit that owns the preservation.

Van Delinder art has traditional and classical roots, and he also works with pen and ink drawings.

There will be an artist reception for Hart, Van Delinder and other artists from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 15 at the museum. Hart’s art will be on display for the entire month, and Van Delinder’s art is on display now until April 30.

For more information about exhibits, visit the museum’s website.

Master Photography with Kevin Fleming: Exclusive Workshop at Lewes…

Master Photography with Kevin Fleming: Exclusive Workshop at Lewes…
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Renowned photographer Kevin Fleming is set to host a one-day photography workshop at the Lewes Public Library on Saturday, March 9, promising an immersive learning experience for photography enthusiasts. Known for his captivating work that spans across various genres, Fleming’s workshop aims to elevate the photography skills of both beginners and intermediate participants. With a limited seating arrangement for just six individuals, the event ensures personalized guidance, making it a unique opportunity for those looking to enhance their photography prowess.

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Unlocking the Secrets of Photography

The workshop is meticulously planned to cover the essentials of photography, starting from the basics like understanding shutter speeds and f-stops, to more advanced techniques such as finding the right locations and timing for capturing breathtaking images. Fleming’s approach to teaching is hands-on, ensuring attendees not only learn the theoretical aspects of photography but also apply them in practical scenarios. This methodological progression is designed to instill confidence in participants, enabling them to explore their photographic vision with greater clarity and purpose.

Exclusive Learning Experience

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What sets this workshop apart is the exclusivity and the intimate learning environment it offers. With only six spots available, each participant is guaranteed individual attention from Fleming, allowing for a tailored learning experience that addresses the specific needs and questions of each attendee. This personalized coaching is a rare opportunity, especially when considering Fleming’s esteemed position in the world of photography. Additionally, the workshop includes a catered lunch by Arena’s, adding a touch of luxury to the day’s activities, and participants will also receive a free signed copy of Fleming’s “Heart of America” book, further enriching the value of this educational encounter.

Investment in Artistic Growth

The cost of the workshop is set at $125, which, considering the comprehensive package of learning, dining, and the exclusive signed book, presents a significant value for attendees. It’s not just an investment in learning the technicalities of photography but an opportunity to engage with and gain insights from one of the most respected names in photography. For those passionate about photography, this workshop is a stepping stone to mastering the art and science of capturing moments that tell compelling stories.

As the day comes to a close, participants will leave not only with a deeper understanding of photography but also with memories and skills that will inspire their future projects. Kevin Fleming’s workshop is more than just a learning experience; it’s an invitation to join a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for capturing the beauty of the world through their lenses. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate photographer, this workshop promises to be a milestone in your photographic journey.